my papa.

last night i got the news that my papa had passed away. 
i still can't believe he is gone. 

my papa had pulmonary fibrosis.  he was at the point where it was very difficult to breathe, but he was the kind of guy that never wanted anyone to worry about him.  i know that he can now be at peace, but i will miss him so very much.  i will remember his goofy snowsuit he would wear in the winter, his love for guns, the legacy of his station wagon, his whisker rubs, his evening bowl of ice cream, his insistance on giving you something out of the garage if he thought you could use it, his 'garage', his nice hair, his long talks on the phone, his visits daily to the coffee shop back in the day, his bomber jacket, the way he loved us, the way he walked...

this sucks beyond words.  i think about all these memories and it makes me sad we won't be able to make anymore.  i have to remind myself that he is in a better place and we now have another guardian angel.

i love you papa.  i will cherish all of our memories for a lifetime.  your memory is etched in us forever.

Comments

[zoe]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

[Jane]

I also have memories of your papa visiting me while at work. I remember his smile the most, the talks about the latest gun show he went to and his station wagon. After his retirement, when he would come down to visit his former co-workers and give them pickled herring, he always made sure I had a couple pieces also. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[NaNa]

Jen--You have all those wonderful memories of him, hold those close to your heart forever. Love mom Cook

[Leslie A. Collins]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.

[Tiffany]

Jenny, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. I hope you'll continue to find comfort in your happy memories. Hugs.

[Clara]

I'm so sorry for your loss! I'm glad you have such warm memories to help you through this time.

[Angie]

So sorry to hear about your papa. Nothing affected my life more than losing my granny. I miss her still after 20 years. Doing what you did - remembering the good memories - is the only thing that got me through.

My thoughts are with you - hang in there.

Keep smiling.

[jenny's mom / tucker's gram]

jenny, thank you for sharing your thoughts. my dad,(your papa) was an incredible man, a one of a kind type of guy. the fact that him and gram helped us with you and your brother so much growing up makes your bond to him stronger. i will miss his "hello" when he answered the phone, his laugh and the many many memories he gave to us. i loved that man so much. he will live on in each one of us, for we all have share certain qualities that were his to pass to us. i will miss him so very much with all of my heart. i was so proud to have him as my dad and prouder yet that he was your papa.

[Alison]

Oh, I was so shocked to hear this, you poor thing. I'm so sorry. Give Tucker an extra big squeeze today. I'm glad you have people there with you who love you.

[Heather]

Oh, I'm sorry for your loss.
He sounded like a great man.
How neat to have such wonderful memories together.

[amy]

So sorry for your loss. I hope your fond memories will be comforting in time. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Mary]

So sorry to hear of your loss.
It sounds like you have many happy and fond memories of him.

[Jennifer]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He sounds like an absolutely wonderful man. I will keep your family in my thoughts!

[ali paulseth]

Oh Jen, I am so sorry to hear this!! Be strong and cherish all the memories you have with a wonderful man. Take care!

[Lisa]

Oh Jenny!! My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I lost my Aunt to pulmonary fibrosis on Thanksgiving '05. You will be in my thoughts!